Garage door communication systems and methods

ABSTRACT

A security system can include an electronic doorbell comprising a first camera configurable to capture an image of a first zone, a button configurable to enable a visitor to sound an electronic chime, and a first microphone configurable to capture sounds. The security system can also include an electronic garage door controller communicatively coupled to the electronic doorbell, the electronic garage door controller comprising a second camera configurable to capture an image of a second zone, and a second microphone configurable to capture sounds. The security system can also include a remote computing device communicatively coupled to at least one of the electronic doorbell and the electronic garage door controller. The remote computing device can be configurable to display at least one of the image of the first zone and the image of the second zone.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The entire contents of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.16/921,761; filed Jul. 6, 2020; and entitled GARAGE DOOR COMMUNICATIONSYSTEMS AND METHODS are incorporated by reference herein.

The entire contents of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.15/293,334; filed Oct. 14, 2016; and entitled GARAGE DOOR COMMUNICATIONSYSTEMS AND METHODS are incorporated by reference herein.

The entire contents of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.15/060,332; filed Mar. 3, 2016; and entitled GARAGE DOOR COMMUNICATIONSYSTEMS AND METHODS are incorporated by reference herein.

The entire contents of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No.14/861,613, filed Sep. 22, 2015; and entitled DOORBELL COMMUNICATIONSYSTEMS AND METHODS are incorporated by reference herein.

The entire contents of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/129,814, filed Mar. 7, 2015; and entitled GARAGE DOOR COMMUNICATIONSYSTEMS AND METHODS are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND Field

Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to devices and methods thatenable remotely located individuals to operate assets located at anotherlocation.

Description of Related Art

Doorbells can enable a person located outside of an entry point, such asa door, to alert a person inside of an entry point that someone outsidewould like to talk to someone inside. Doorbells sometimes include abutton located near a door, such as a front door, side door, or backdoor of a home, office, dwelling, warehouse, building, or structure.Doorbells are sometimes used near a gate or some other entrance to apartially enclosed area. Pushing the doorbell sometimes causes a chimeor other alerting sound to be emitted.

Some devices may enable a user to communicate with and operate a deviceat another location, such as lights and air conditioning.

SUMMARY

In several embodiments a security system may comprise, among otherthings, an electronic doorbell, an electronic garage door controller,and a remote computing device. The electronic doorbell may comprise afirst camera configurable to capture an image of a first zone, a buttonconfigurable to enable a visitor to sound an electronic chime, and afirst microphone configurable to capture sounds. The electronic garagedoor controller may be communicatively coupled to the electronicdoorbell. The electronic garage door controller may be directly orindirectly communicatively coupled to the electronic doorbell. Theelectronic garage door controller may comprise a second cameraconfigurable to capture an image of a second zone, and a secondmicrophone configurable to capture sounds. The remote computing devicemay be communicatively coupled to at least one of the electronicdoorbell and the electronic garage door controller. The remote computingdevice may be directly or indirectly communicatively coupled to theelectronic doorbell, the electronic garage door controller, or both. Theremote computing device may be configurable to display at least one ofthe image of the first zone and the image of the second zone.

In some embodiments, the first zone may comprise an area adjacent a doorof a building. The second zone may comprise an area located at leastpartially within a garage. The remote computing device may beconfigurable to run a software application comprising executableinstructions that when executed, cause the security system to effectuateoperations. Operations may comprise displaying, by a screen of theremote computing device, the image of the first zone. Operations maycomprise receiving, by the remote computing device, an input from a userto open a garage door associated with the electronic garage doorcontroller. Operations may comprise in response to receiving the inputto open the garage door, displaying, by the screen of the remotecomputing device, the image of the second zone. The executableinstructions may cause the security system to effectuate operationsfurther comprising opening, by a garage door opener coupled to theelectronic garage door controller, the garage door in response toreceiving the input to open the garage door.

In some embodiments the remote computing device may be configurable torun a software application. The software application may compriseexecutable instructions that when executed, cause the security system toeffectuate operations. The operations may comprise displaying, by ascreen of the remote computing device, the image of the first zone. Theoperations may comprise receiving, by the security system, an indicationthe visitor is moving from the first zone towards the second zone. Theoperations may comprise in response to receiving the indication that thevisitor is moving from the first zone towards the second zone,displaying, by the screen of the remote computing device, the image ofthe second zone.

In several embodiments, the indication may comprise at least one ofglobal position system data, a wireless connectivity signal between theelectronic doorbell and a remote computing device of the visitor, and amotion detected by a motion detector of the electronic doorbell.

In several embodiments the remote computing device may be configurableto run a software application comprising executable instructions thatwhen executed, cause the security system to effectuate operations.Effectuating operations may include displaying, by a screen of theremote computing device, the image of the first zone. Effectuatingoperations may include determining, by at least one of the first cameraand the security system, whether the visitor is located within the firstzone. Effectuating operations may include, in response to determiningthat the visitor is not located within the first zone, displaying, bythe screen of the remote computing device, the image of the second zone.The remote computing device may be configurable to run a softwareapplication comprising executable instructions that when executed, maycause the security system to effectuate operations. The operations maycomprise displaying, by a screen of the remote computing device, theimage of the first zone. The operations may comprise determining, by atleast one of the second camera and the security system, whether thevisitor is located within the second zone. The operations may comprisein response to determining that the visitor is located within the secondzone, displaying, by the screen of the remote computing device, theimage of the second zone. The remote computing device may beconfigurable to run a software application comprising executableinstructions that when executed, cause the security system to effectuateoperations. Operations may comprise displaying, by a screen of theremote computing device, the image of the first zone. Operations maycomprise capturing, by the first microphone, a first sound and a secondsound that occurs after the first sound. Operations may comprisedetermining, by the security system, whether the second sound is quieterthan the first sound and whether the second sound is less than apredetermined threshold. Operations may comprise in response todetermining that the second sound is quieter than the first sound andthat the second sound is less than the predetermined threshold,displaying, by the screen of the remote computing device, the image ofthe second zone.

In several embodiments the remote computing device is configurable torun a software application comprising executable instructions that whenexecuted, cause the security system to effectuate operations. Operationsmay comprise displaying, by a screen of the remote computing device, theimage of the first zone. Operations may comprise capturing, by both thefirst microphone and the second microphone, a sound. Operations maycomprise determining, by the security system, whether the sound isgreater with respect to one of the first microphone and the secondmicrophone. Operations may comprise in response to determining that thesound is greater with respect to the second microphone than the firstmicrophone, displaying, by the screen of the remote computing device,the image of the second zone. The remote computing device may beconfigurable to run a software application comprising executableinstructions that when executed, cause the security system to effectuateoperations. The operations may comprise displaying, by a screen of theremote computing device, the image of the first zone. Operations maycomprise capturing, by both the first microphone and the secondmicrophone, a sound. Operations may comprise determining, by thesecurity system, whether the sound is greater with respect to one of thefirst microphone and the second microphone. Operations may comprise inresponse to determining that the sound is greater with respect to thefirst microphone than the second microphone, continuing to display, bythe screen of the remote computing device, the image of the first zone.The remote computing device is configurable to run a softwareapplication comprising executable instructions that when executed, causethe security system to effectuate operations. Operations may comprisedisplaying, by a screen of the remote computing device, the image of thefirst zone. Operations may comprise determining, by the security system,a location of the visitor. Operations may comprise in response todetermining that the location of the visitor is at least one of outsideof the first zone and moving towards the second zone, displaying, by thescreen of the remote computing device, the image of the second zone.

Several embodiments may include a method of using a security systemcomprising an electronic doorbell. The electronic doorbell may have afirst camera configurable to capture an image of a first zone, a buttonconfigurable to enable a visitor to sound an electronic chime, and afirst microphone configurable to capture sounds. The security system maycomprise an electronic garage door controller communicatively coupled tothe electronic doorbell. The garage door controller may be directly orindirectly communicatively coupled to the electronic doorbell. Theelectronic garage door controller may comprise a second cameraconfigurable to capture an image of a second zone, and a secondmicrophone configurable to capture sounds. The security system maycomprise a remote computing device communicatively coupled to at leastone of the electronic doorbell and the electronic garage doorcontroller. The remote computing device may be directly or indirectlycommunicatively coupled to the electronic doorbell, to the electronicgarage door opener, or both. The method may comprise displaying, by ascreen of the remote computing device, the image of the first zone. Themethod may comprise receiving, by the security system, an indicationcomprising one of the visitor moving from the first zone towards thesecond zone and the user authorizing the visitor to access the secondzone. The method may comprise displaying, by the screen of the remotecomputing device, the image of the second zone in response to receivingthe indication.

In some embodiments the first zone may comprise an area adjacent a doorof a building, and the second zone may comprise an area located at leastpartially within a garage. The indication may comprise an input from auser to open a garage door associated with the electronic garage doorcontroller. The method may comprise opening, by a garage door openercoupled to the electronic garage door controller, the garage door inresponse to receiving the input to open the garage door. Receiving, bythe security system, the indication may comprise detecting, by a secondmotion detector located remote with respect to the electronic doorbelland the electronic garage door controller, a motion of the visitor. Inresponse to receiving the indication that one of the visitor is movingfrom the first zone towards the second zone and the user authorizing thevisitor to access the second zone, the method may include entering, bythe first camera of the electronic doorbell, a camera sleep mode wherebythe first camera does not capture images. In response to receiving theindication that one of the visitor is moving from the first zone towardsthe second zone and the user authorizing the visitor to access thesecond zone, the method may include entering, by the second camera ofthe electronic garage door controller, a camera live view mode wherebythe second camera captures images.

In some embodiments the indication comprises a predetermined motion fromthe visitor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages are described belowwith reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate, butnot to limit, the invention. In the drawings, like reference charactersdenote corresponding features consistently throughout similarembodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a garage door communication system,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a computing device running software, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment in which a garage door controller isconnected to a building, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a communication system with two wireless networks,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a communication system that includes a securitysystem, a doorbell button, a wireless router, a server, and users,according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate a front and a side perspective view of agarage door controller, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 7a, 7b, and 7c illustrate perspective views of garage doorcommunication systems, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d and 8e illustrate various views of a garage doorbeing operated according to various embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates a garage door communication system including multipleremote computing devices, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 10-16 illustrate flow-charts of various methods of using adoorbell system, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a communication system inwhich the doorbell is connected to a building, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of a garage door communicationsystem, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although certain embodiments and examples are disclosed below, inventivesubject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments toother alternative embodiments and/or uses, and to modifications andequivalents thereof. Thus, the scope of the claims appended hereto isnot limited by any of the particular embodiments described below. Forexample, in any method or process disclosed herein, the acts oroperations of the method or process may be performed in any suitablesequence and are not necessarily limited to any particular disclosedsequence. Various operations may be described as multiple discreteoperations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understandingcertain embodiments; however, the order of description should not beconstrued to imply that these operations are order dependent.Additionally, the structures, systems, and/or devices described hereinmay be embodied as integrated components or as separate components.

For purposes of comparing various embodiments, certain aspects andadvantages of these embodiments are described. Not necessarily all suchaspects or advantages are achieved by any particular embodiment. Thus,for example, various embodiments may be carried out in a manner thatachieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taughtherein without necessarily achieving other aspects or advantages as mayalso be taught or suggested herein.

High-Level Overview

Garage door communication systems can provide a secure and convenientway for a remotely located individual to open, close, partially open,and/or partially close a garage door. As well, the garage doorcommunication system can provide the remotely located individual withinformation about the garage door and the surrounding area. For example,the garage door communication system can allow the individual todetermine whether the garage door is open, closed, partially open,partially closed, and/or moving between one of the positions (e.g.moving from a closed position to an open position). It should beappreciated that the garage door can move between any position, such asan open position, closed position, partially open position, and/or apartially closed position. In this manner, the garage door 927 can movewith respect to a garage door frame 931.

The garage door communication system can use a computing device toenable a remotely located person to see, hear, and/or talk withvisitors. Computing devices can include computers, laptops, tablets,mobile devices, smartphones, cellular phones, and wireless devices(e.g., cars with wireless communication). Example computing devicesinclude the iPhone, iPad, iMac, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro made byApple Inc. Communication between a remotely located person and a visitorcan occur via the Internet, cellular networks, telecommunicationnetworks, and wireless networks.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a garage door communication systemembodiment. The garage door communication system 200 can include agarage door controller 202 and a computing device 204. Although, theillustrated garage door controller 202 includes many components in onehousing, several garage door communication system embodiments includecomponents in separate housings.

The garage door controller 202 can include a camera assembly 208 and acontroller button 212. The camera assembly 208 can be a video camera,which in some embodiments is a webcam. The camera assembly 208 canthereby allow the remotely located individual to view the garage doorand the area surrounding the garage door, such as the inside of thegarage and/or the exterior space around the garage door. While not shownin FIG. 1, the garage door communication system 200 can include amicrophone and a speaker to allow the remotely located individual tohear, see, and talk with visitors who approach at least a portion of thegarage door communication system 200 and/or press a controller button212.

The garage door communication system 202 can include a diagnostic light216 and a power indicator light 220. In some embodiments, the diagnosticlight 216 is a first color (e.g., blue) if the garage door controller202 and/or the garage door communication system 200 is connected to awireless Internet network and is a second color (e.g., red) if thegarage door controller 202 and/or the garage door communication system200 is not connected to a wireless Internet network. In someembodiments, the power indicator light 220 is a first color if thegarage door controller 202 is connected to a power source. The powersource can be power supplied by the building to which the garage doorcontroller 202 is attached. In some embodiments, the power indicatorlight 220 is a second color or does not emit light if the garage doorcontroller 202 is not connected to the power source.

The garage door controller 202 can include an outer housing 224, whichcan be water resistant and/or waterproof. The outer housing can be madefrom metal or plastic, such as molded plastic with a hardness of 60Shore D. In some embodiments, the outer housing 224 is made from brushednickel or aluminum.

Rubber seals, not shown in FIG. 1, can be used to make the outer housing224 water resistant or waterproof. The garage door controller 202 can beelectrically coupled to a power source, such as wires electricallyconnected to a building's electrical power system. In some embodiments,the garage door controller 202 includes a battery for backup and/orprimary power.

While not shown in FIG. 1, the garage door controller 202 may alsoinclude a light located adjacent an outer surface of an outer housing ofthe garage door controller 202. The light may be configured toilluminate an area adjacent the garage door controller 202, perhaps tolight the way for a user to see the area. In some embodiments, the lightmay be selected from the group consisting of a light emitting diode,infrared light, halogen light, and fluorescent light.

Wireless communication 230 can enable the garage door controller 202 tocommunicate with the computing device 204. Some embodiments enablecommunication via cellular and/or WiFi networks. Some embodiments enablecommunication via the Internet. Several embodiments enable wiredcommunication between the garage door controller 202 and the computingdevice 204. The wireless communication 230 can include the followingcommunication means: radio, WiFi (e.g., wireless local area network),cellular, Internet, Bluetooth, telecommunication, electromagnetic,infrared, light, sonic, and microwave. Other communication means areused by some embodiments. In some embodiments, such as embodiments thatinclude telecommunication or cellular communication means, the garagedoor controller 202 can initiate voice calls or send text messages to acomputing device 204 (e.g., a smartphone, a desktop computer, a tabletcomputer, a laptop computer).

Some embodiments include computer software (e.g., application software),which can be a mobile application designed to run on smartphones, tabletcomputers, and other mobile devices. Software of this nature issometimes referred to as “app” software. Some embodiments includesoftware designed to run on desktop computers and laptop computers.

Software/User Interface Overview

As shown in FIG. 2, the computing device 204 can run software with agraphical user interface 240. The user interface 240 can include iconsor buttons. In some embodiments, the software is configured for use witha touch-screen computing device such as a smartphone or tablet.

For example, in several embodiments a user can log into an “app,”website, and/or software on a computing device 204 (e.g., mobilecomputing device, smartphone, tablet, desktop computer) to adjust thegarage door controller settings discussed herein.

The software can include a user interface 240 displayed on a displayscreen of the remote computing device 204. The user interface 240 caninclude a garage door indicator 244, which can indicate the identity ofthe garage door (e.g. for systems with two or more garage doors). Forexample, a person can use one computing device 204 to control and/orinteract with one or multiple garage door controllers, such as onegarage door controller attached to a first garage door opener andanother garage door controller attached to a second garage door opener.

The user interface 240 can include a connectivity indicator 248. In someembodiments, the connectivity indicator 248 can indicate whether thecomputing device 204 is in communication with a garage door controller202, the Internet, and/or a cellular network. The connectivity indicator248 can alert the user if the computing device 204 has lost itsconnection with the garage door controller 202; the garage doorcontroller 202 has been damaged; the garage door controller 202 has beenstolen; the garage door controller 202 has been removed from itsmounting location; the garage door controller 202 has lost electricalpower; and/or if the computing device 204 cannot communicate with thegarage door controller 202. In some embodiments, the connectivityindicator 248 alerts the user of the computing device 204 by flashing,emitting a sound, displaying a message, and/or displaying a symbol.

In some embodiments, the user interface 240 can display a door positionindicator 277, which can indicate the position of the garage door (e.g.whether the garage door is open, closed, partially open, partiallyclosed, and/or whether the garage door is moving). The user interface240 can also include open/close button 276 to enable a user to activatethe garage door, to thereby move the garage door to an open, closed,partially open, and/or partially closed position, for example.

In some embodiments, a computing device can enable a user to watch livevideo and/or hear live audio from a garage door controller due to theuser's request rather than due to actions of a visitor. Some embodimentsinclude a computing device initiating a live video feed (or a video feedthat is less than five minutes old).

As well, in some embodiments the user interface 240 displays an image252 such as a still image or a video of an area near and/or in front ofthe garage door controller 202. The image 252 can be taken by the cameraassembly 208 and stored by the garage door controller 202, server 206,and/or computing device 204. The user interface 240 can include arecording button 256 to enable a user to record images, videos, and/orsound from the camera assembly 208, microphone of the security system202, and/or microphone of the computing device 204.

In several embodiments, the user interface 240 includes a picture button260 to allow the user to take still pictures and/or videos of the areanear and/or in front of the security system. The user interface 240 canalso include a sound adjustment button 264 and a mute button 268. Theuser interface 240 can include camera manipulation buttons such as zoom,pan, and light adjustment buttons. In some embodiments, the cameraassembly 208 automatically adjusts between Day Mode and Night Mode. Someembodiments include an infrared camera and/or infrared lights toilluminate an area near the security system to enable the cameraassembly 208 to provide sufficient visibility (even at night).

In some embodiments, buttons include diverse means of selecting variousoptions, features, and functions. Buttons can be selected by mouseclicks, keyboard commands, and/or touching a touch screen. Manyembodiments include buttons that can be selected without touch screens.

In some embodiments, the user interface 240 can include a qualityselection button, not shown in FIG. 2, which can allow a user to selectthe quality and/or amount of the data transmitted from the garage doorcontroller 202 to the computing device 204 and/or from the computingdevice 204 to the garage door controller 202.

In some embodiments, video can be sent to and/or received from thecomputing device 204 using video chat protocols such as FaceTime (byApple Inc.) or Skype (by Microsoft Corporation). In some embodiments,these videos are played by videoconferencing apps on the computingdevice 204 instead of being played by the user interface 240.

The user interface 240 can include an open/close button 276 to activatethe garage door opener 926 to move the garage door to the open, closed,partially open, and/or partially closed position. In some embodiments,in response to a first press of the open/close button 276, the button276 can be enabled to activate the garage door opener 926 to move thegarage door. As well, in response to a second press of the open/closebutton 276, the button 276 can be enabled to activate the garage dooropener 926 to stop moving the garage door.

In some embodiments, a speak button 272 is both an answer button (toaccept a communication request from a visitor located adjacent thegarage door controller 202) and is a termination button (to endcommunication between the garage door controller 202 and the computingdevice 204). Selecting the button 272 when the system is attempting toestablish two-way communication between the visitor and the user canstart two-way communication. The button 272 can include the words “EndCall” during two-way communication between the visitor and the user.Selecting the button 272 during two-way communication between thevisitor and the user can terminate two-way communication. In someembodiments, terminating two-way communication still enables the user tosee and hear the visitor. In some embodiments, terminating two-waycommunication causes the computing device 204 to stop showing video fromthe garage door controller 202 and to stop emitting sounds recorded bythe garage door controller 202.

In some embodiments, the user interface 240 opens as soon as the garagedoor controller 202 detects a movement of the garage door or a presenceof a visitor (e.g., senses indications of a visitor). Once the userinterface 240 opens, the user can see and/or hear the visitor evenbefore “answering” or otherwise accepting two-way communication, inseveral embodiments.

Some method embodiments include detecting a movement of a garage door ora presence of a visitor with a garage door controller 202. The methodscan include causing the user interface 240 to display on a remotecomputing device 204 due to the detection of the garage door moving orthe presence of the visitor (e.g., with or without user interaction).

The methods can include displaying video from the garage door controller202 and/or audio from the garage door controller 202 before the useraccepts two-way communication with the visitor. The methods can includedisplaying video from the garage door controller 202 and/or audio fromthe garage door controller 202 before the user accepts the visitor'scommunication request. The methods can include the computing device 204simultaneously asking the user if the user wants to accept (e.g.,answer) the communication request and displaying audio and/or video ofthe visitor. For example, in some embodiments, the user can see and hearthe visitor via the garage door controller 202 before opening a means oftwo-way communication with the visitor.

In some embodiments, the software includes means to start the video feedon demand. For example, a user of the computing device might wonder whatis happening near the garage door controller 202. The user can open thesoftware application on the computing device 204 and instruct theapplication to show live video and/or audio from the garage doorcontroller 202 even if no event near the garage door controller 202 hastriggered the communication.

In several embodiments, the garage door controller 202 can be configuredto record when the garage door controller 202 detects movement of thegarage door and/or the presence of a person. The user of the computingdevice 204 can later review all video and/or audio records when thegarage door controller 202 detected movement and/or the presence of aperson.

Referring now to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the server 206 controlscommunication between the computing device 204 and the garage doorcontroller 202, which can include a camera, a microphone, and a speaker.In several embodiments, the server 206 does not control communicationbetween the computing device 204 and the garage door controller 202.

In some embodiments, data captured by the security system and/or thecomputing device 204 (such as videos, pictures, and audio) is stored byanother remote device such as the server 206. Cloud storage, enterprisestorage, and/or networked enterprise storage can be used to store video,pictures, and/or audio from the garage door communication system 200 orfrom any part of the garage door communication system 200. The user candownload and/or stream stored data and/or storage video, pictures,and/or audio. For example, a user can record visitors for a year andthen later can review conversations with visitors from the last year. Insome embodiments, remote storage, the server 206, the computing device204, and/or the garage door controller 202 can store information andstatistics regarding visitors and usage.

Server Interaction Overview

In some embodiments, if the garage door controller 202 loses power,loses connectivity to the computing device 204, loses connectivity tothe Internet, and/or loses connectivity to a remote server, a remoteserver 206 sends an alert (e.g., phone call, text message, image on theuser interface 240) regarding the power and/or connectivity issue. Inseveral embodiments, the remote server 206 can manage communicationbetween the garage door controller 202 and the computing device 204. Insome embodiments, information from the garage door controller 202 isstored by the remote server 206. In several embodiments, informationfrom the garage door controller 202 is stored by the remote server 206until the information can be sent to the computing device 204, uploadedto the computing device 204, and/or displayed to the remotely locatedperson via the computing device 204. The remote server 206 can be acomputing device 204 that stores information from the garage doorcontroller 202 and/or from the computing device 204. In someembodiments, the remote server 206 is located in a data center.

In some embodiments, the computing device 204 and/or the remote server206 attempts to communicate with the garage door controller 202. If thecomputing device 204 and/or the remote server 206 is unable tocommunicate with the garage door controller 202, the computing device204 and/or the remote server 206 alerts the remotely located person viathe software, phone, text, a displayed message, and/or a website. Insome embodiments, the computing device 204 and/or the remote server 206attempts to communicate with the garage door controller 202periodically; at least every five hours and/or less than every 10minutes; at least every 24 hours and/or less than every 60 minutes; orat least every hour and/or less than every second.

In some embodiments, the server 206 can initiate communication to thecomputer device 204 and/or to the garage door controller 202. In severalembodiments, the server 206 can initiate, control, and/or blockcommunication between the computing device 204 and the garage doorcontroller 202.

Some embodiments can include programming the remote server 206 toinstruct the garage door controller 202 to perform a first predeterminedaction at a first time of day and programming the remote server 206 toinstruct the garage door controller 202 to perform a secondpredetermined action at a second time of day. For example, the remoteserver 206 can be programmed to instruct the garage door controller 202to check whether the garage door 927 is closed at sunset. If the garagedoor controller 202 determines that the garage door 927 is not closed atsunset, the garage door controller 202 can send a transmission to thegarage door opener 926 to close the garage door 927. Generally, itshould be appreciated that the remote server 206 and garage doorcontroller 202 can be programmed to perform any predetermined action atany time of day.

System Overview

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment in which a garage door controller 202is connected to a building 300, which can include a garage door 927.Electrical wires 304 can electrically couple the garage door controller202 to the electrical system of the building 300 so that the garage doorcontroller 202 can receive electrical power from the building 300.

A wireless network 308 can allow devices to wirelessly access theInternet. The garage door controller 202 can access the Internet via thewireless network 308. The wireless network 308 can transmit data fromthe garage door controller 202 to the Internet, which can transmit thedata to remotely located computing devices 204. The Internet andwireless networks can transmit data from remotely located computingdevices 204 to the garage door controller 202. In some embodiments, agarage door controller 202 connects to a home's WiFi.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, one computing device 204 (e.g., a laptop, asmartphone, a mobile computing device, a television) can communicatewith multiple garage door controllers 202. In some embodiments, multiplecomputing devices 204 can communicate with one garage door controller202. In some embodiments, the garage door controller 202 can communicate(e.g., wirelessly 230) with a television 306, which can be a smarttelevision. Users can view the television 306 to see a position of thegarage door 927 and/or to see and/or talk with a visitor located in thearea of the garage door controller 202.

Joining a Wireless Network

Although some garage door controller embodiments include usingelectricity from electrical wires 304 of a building 300, many garagedoor controller embodiments communicate with computing devices 204 via awireless network 308 that allows garage door controllers 202 to connectto a regional and sometimes global communications network. In someembodiments, the garage door controller 202 communicates via a wirelessnetwork 308 with a router that enables communication with the Internet,which can enable communication via diverse means includingtelecommunication networks. In this way, a garage door controller 202can communicate with computing devices 204 that are desktop computers,automobiles, laptop computers, tablet computers, cellular phones, mobiledevices, and smart phones.

In some embodiments, a security system (e.g., a doorbell) needs to knowwhich wireless network to join and needs to know the wireless network'spassword. A computing device, such as a smartphone, can provide thisinformation to the security system.

The following method is used in some embodiments. (Some embodimentsinclude orders that are different from the following order.) First, thecomputing device (e.g., a smartphone) creates an ad hoc wirelessnetwork. Second, the user opens software (such as an app) on thecomputing device. When the garage door controller 202 is in Setup Mode,the garage door controller 202 can automatically join the computingdevice's ad hoc network. Third, the user can utilize the software toselect the wireless network that the security system should join and toprovide the password of the wireless network (e.g., of the router) tothe garage door controller 202.

Diverse methods can be used to connect a garage door controller 202 to awireless network (such as a wireless network of a home). Severalembodiments include transmitting an identifier (e.g., a name) to agarage door controller 202, wherein the identifier enables the garagedoor controller 202 to identify the wireless network to which the garagedoor controller 202 should connect. Several embodiments includetransmitting a password of the wireless network to the garage doorcontroller 202, wherein the password enables the garage door controller202 to connect to the network. In some embodiments, a computing device204 (e.g., a smartphone) transmits the identifier and password.

In several embodiments, methods of connecting a garage door controller202 to a wireless network (e.g., a wireless network of a home orbuilding) can include placing the garage door controller 202 in SetupMode. Some garage door controller 202 automatically go into Setup Modeupon first use, first receiving electrical power, first receivingelectrical power after a reset button is pushed, first receivingelectrical power after being reset, and/or when a reset button ispushed.

In some embodiments, a Setup Mode comprises a Network Connection Mode.Methods can comprise entering the Network Connection Mode in response topressing the button for a predetermined amount of time. It should beappreciated that the predetermined amount of time can be any duration oftime, for example at least eight seconds. The Network Connection Modecan also comprise detecting a first wireless network having a name and apassword. The Network Connection Mode can comprise inputting a doorbellidentification code into the remotely located computing device. Thedoorbell identification code can be associated with the doorbell. TheNetwork Connection Mode can comprise using the doorbell identificationcode to verify whether the remotely located computing device isauthorized to communicate with the doorbell. The Network Connection Modecan comprise the remotely located computing device creating a secondwireless network (e.g., that emanates from the remotely locatedcomputing device). The Network Connection Mode can comprise transmittingthe name and the password of the first wireless network directly fromthe remotely located computing device to the garage door controller 202via the second wireless network to enable the garage door controller 202to communicate with the remotely located computing device 204 via thefirst wireless network.

Methods can comprise the remotely located computing device 204 directlycommunicating with the garage door controller 202 via the secondwireless network prior to the garage door controller 202 indirectlycommunicating with the remotely located computing device 204 via thefirst wireless network. For example, the wireless communication from theremotely located computing device 204 can travel through the airdirectly to the garage door controller 202. The wireless communicationfrom the remotely located computing device 204 can travel indirectly tothe garage door controller 202 via a third electronic device such as aserver.

FIG. 4 illustrates a garage door communication system 200 with twowireless networks 5556, 5560. The first wireless network 5560 canemanate from a router 5550. The second wireless network can emanate fromthe computing device 204 (e.g., a cellular telephone). The firstwireless network 5560 can enable indirect wireless communication 5552between the computing device 204 and the garage door controller 202 viathe router 5550 or via a server 206 (shown in FIG. 1). The secondwireless network 5556 can enable direct wireless communication 5554between the computing device 204 and the garage door controller 202. Thecomputing device 204 can send a password and a name of the firstwireless network 5560 to the garage door controller 202 via the secondwireless network 5556. In some embodiments, the second wireless network5556 does not require a password.

In some embodiments, a garage door controller 202 creates its ownwireless network (e.g., WiFi network) with a recognizable network name(e.g., a service set identifier). Software can provide setupinstructions to the user via a computing device 204, in some cases, upondetecting a new wireless network with the recognizable network name. Theinstructions can inform the user how to temporarily join the securitysystem's wireless network with the computing device 204. The user canselect and/or transmit the name and password of a target wirelessnetwork to the garage door controller 202 from the computing device 204.The garage door controller 202 can join the target wireless network(e.g., the wireless network of the building to which the garage doorcontroller is attached) and can terminate its own wireless network.

In some cases, the computing device 204 can capture the name andpassword of the target network before joining the network of the garagedoor controller 202. In some cases, the user enters the name andpassword of the target network into the computing device 204 to enablethe computing device 204 to provide the name and password of the targetnetwork to the garage door controller 202.

In some cases, the computing device 204 recognizes the name of thenetwork of the garage door controller 202, automatically joins thenetwork of the garage door controller 202, and transmits the name andpassword of the target network to the garage door controller 202. Insome cases, these steps are preceded by launching software (on thecomputing device 204) configured to perform these steps and/or capableof performing these steps.

Methods can include the garage door controller 202 trying to join an adhoc network (or other wireless network) with a fixed network name or anetwork name based on an identifier of the garage door controller 202(e.g., the serial number of the garage door controller 202, the modelnumber of the garage door controller 202). The computing device 204 canprovide instructions to the user to temporarily setup the network (e.g.,the ad hoc network) via the computing device 204. The network can havethe fixed network name or the name based on the identifier. The garagedoor controller 202 can recognize the name and join the network. Thecomputing device 204 can use the network to transmit the name andpassword of a target network (e.g., the wireless network of the buildingto which the garage door controller 202 will be coupled) to the garagedoor controller 202. The garage door controller 202 can use the name andpassword of the target network to join the target network.

In some embodiments, the computing device 204 displays an image (e.g., aquick response code) that contains or communicates the name and passwordof the target network. The garage door controller 202 can use its cameraand onboard software to scan and decode the image (to determine the nameand password of the target network). The garage door controller 202 canuse the name and password of the target network to join the targetnetwork.

The computing device 204 can generate and display pulses of light (e.g.,by flashing black and white images on the screen of the computing device204). The garage door controller 202 can use its camera and software toanalyze and decode the pulses of light. The pulses of light can containthe name and/or password of the wireless network. The garage doorcontroller 202 can use the name and password of the target network tojoin the target network.

In some embodiments, only the password of the target network is given tothe garage door controller 202. The garage door controller 202 can usethe password to test each detected wireless network until it identifiesa wireless network to which it can connect using the password.

The computing device 204 can generate and emit an audio signal thatcorresponds to the name and/or password of the target network. Thegarage door controller 202 can use its microphone and software toanalyze and decode the audio signal to receive the name and/or passwordof the target network. The garage door controller 202 can use the nameand password of the target network to join the target network.

In some embodiments, the computing device 204 transmits the name andpassword of the target network to the garage door controller 202 viaMorse code. In some embodiments, the garage door controller 202 can pairwith the computing device 204 via Bluetooth. The computing device 204can transmit the name and password of the target network to the garagedoor controller 202 (e.g., via Bluetooth). The garage door controller202 can use the name and password of the target network to join thetarget network.

In several embodiments, the computing device 204 transmits the nameand/or password of the target network via infrared (“IR”) communication(e.g., IR light) to the garage door controller 202. The computing device204 can emit the IR communication via IR LEDs or IR display emissions.An infrared emission device (e.g., with an IR LED) can be electricallycoupled to the computing device 204 to enable the computing device 204to send IR communications. The garage door controller 202 can detect theIR communication via IR sensors. The garage door controller 202 can usethe name and password of the target network to join the target network.

Communicating With a User and Activating a Garage Door

With reference to FIGS. 7a-7c , embodiments of the garage doorcontroller 202 can be configured to initiate movement of a garage dooropener 926 to thereby move a garage door 927 that is coupled to thegarage door opener 926. As illustrated in FIGS. 8a-8e , the garage door927 can move between an open position 927 a, partially open position 927b, partially open or partially closed position 927 c, partially closedposition 927 d, and/or a closed position 927 e. However, it should beappreciated that these terms can be used interchangeably. For example,the position of the garage door 927 in FIG. 8b can be said to be eitherpartially open or partially closed. Generally, it should be appreciatedthat the garage door controller 202 can initiate movement of the garagedoor opener 926 and the garage door 927 to any known position as duringconventional usage of a garage door opener 926 and garage door 927.

Embodiments of a garage door controller 202, as disclosed, can enable auser to retrieve information from and control a garage door 927 fromvirtually anyplace in the world. With the proliferation of cellularnetworks, such as 3G, 4G, and LTE, and WiFi networks, people can beconnected to mobile communication standards from almost any location.Accordingly, when the user's remote computing device 204 is connected toa mobile communication standard, such as, but not limited to, 3G, 4G,LTE, WiMAX, and WiFi, the user may be able to retrieve information fromthe garage door controller and also control the garage door and/orgarage door opener via the garage door controller. In some embodiments,the remote computing device 204 can be at least 100 feet away from thegarage door opener 926. Yet in some embodiments, the remote computingdevice 204 is at least one mile away, ten miles, one hundred miles, orat least one thousand miles from the garage door opener 926.

Accordingly, with the remote computing device 204 connected to a mobilecommunication standard, the remote computing device 204 is therebycommunicatively coupled to the remote server. In conjunction, the remoteserver is communicatively coupled to the garage door controller 202 viaWiFi. Therefore, it can be said that the remote computing device 204 isalso communicatively coupled to the garage door controller 202 via WiFi.Therefore, some embodiments of the garage door controller 202 caninclude receiving, by the garage door controller 202, a WiFitransmission from the remote computing device 204, wherein the WiFitransmission includes a command to move the garage door to the openposition 927 a, partially open position 927 b, 927 c, 927 d, or closedposition 927 e. In response to receiving the WiFi transmission from theremote computing device, some embodiments can include moving the garagedoor to the open position 927 a, partially open position 927 b, 927 c,927 d, or closed position 927 e.

To access information from the garage door 927 and the area surroundingthe garage door 927, the user may retrieve this information any numberof ways. For example, in some embodiments the garage door controller 202may include a camera assembly 208. The camera assembly 208 can be avideo camera, which in some embodiments is a webcam. The remotelylocated user may be able to activate the camera assembly 208 from theirremote computing device 204 to thereby view the garage door 927 and thearea surrounding the garage door 927. Accordingly, a user may use thisfeature for any number of possibilities. For example, a remote user mayview whether the garage door is open or closed. If the user observesthat the garage door is open and the user wishes to close the garagedoor 927, the user may enable a command from the remote computing device204 to thereby activate a movement of the garage door 927 to a closedposition 927 e. In some embodiments, a remote user may wish to view thearea inside the garage to determine if a prowler is present to therebyverify the security of the garage. In another example, a remote user maywish to view whether a car is located in the garage, which may therebyindicate the presence of another user within the building. These arejust a few of the countless examples to demonstrate how the cameraassembly 208 may be utilized.

Some embodiments of the garage door controller 202 can be configured toinitiate communication between a visitor, located in an area near thegarage door controller 202, and a user of a remote computing device 204(e.g. a homeowner). The communications may enable voice and/or visualcommunication between the user and/or the visitor. As well, thecommunications may serve as instructions to the garage door controller202 to thereby activate the garage door 927 to perform an operation,such as moving to an open position 927 a or a closed position 927 e.

For example, the controller button 212 may be configured to enablevarious operations. For example, a person might initiate a communicationrequest by pressing the controller button 212 (shown in FIG. 1) ortriggering a motion or proximity sensor. The controller button 212 maybe configured to enable various operations in response to differenttypes of presses of the controller button 212. For example, in someembodiments, a user may press and hold the controller button 212 for atleast three seconds to thereby initiate a communication request. Aswell, in some embodiments, a user may press the controller button 212for less than three seconds to thereby initiate a movement of the garagedoor opener and the garage door 927.

In some embodiments, multiple computing devices 204 are candidates toreceive information from a garage door controller 202. Accordingly, inresponse to the controller button 212 being pressed, the garage doorcontroller 202 can notify multiple remotely located computing devices atonce. The garage door controller 202 might simultaneously notify asmartphone of a first homeowner, a tablet of a housekeeper, and a laptoplocated inside the building to which the security system is connected.

In some embodiments, once the communication is answered by one computingdevice, communication between the garage door controller 202 and theother computing devices is terminated, maintained, or kept open soanother user can also participate in the communication. For example, ifa housekeeper answers the communication request initiated by pressingthe controller button 212, the homeowner might be unable to join thecommunication because communication with her computing device wasterminated or might have the option to join the communication. In someembodiments, computing devices are assigned a priority and computingdevices with a higher priority can terminate the communication of lowerpriority devices. For example, the homeowner could answer thecommunication request later than the housekeeper, but the homeownercould terminate the communication between the garage door controller 202and the housekeeper's computing device. In some embodiments, users canforward communication requests from one computing device to anothercomputing device.

In some embodiments, multiple computing devices are notified in seriesregarding a communication request. For example, the communicationrequest might initially go to a first remote computing device, but ifthe communication request is not answered within a certain period oftime, the communication request might go to a second remote computingdevice. If the communication request is not answered, the communicationrequest might go to a third remote computing device.

FIG. 5 illustrates a communication system 310 that includes a garagedoor controller 320, a controller button 324, a WiFi router 328, aserver 332, and users 336. In step 340, a visitor initiates acommunication request by pressing the doorbell button 324 or triggeringa motion or proximity sensor. The visitor can trigger the motion orproximity sensor by approaching the garage door controller 320. In step350, the garage door controller 320 connects or otherwise communicateswith a home WiFi router 328. In step 360, the server 332 receives asignal from the WiFi router 328 and sends video and/or audio to theusers 336 via a wireless network 364. In step 370, the users see thevisitor, hear the visitor, and talk with the visitor. Step 370 caninclude using a software application to see, hear, and/or talk with thevisitor. The visitor and users 336 can engage in two-way communication374 via the internet or other wireless communication system even whenthe visitor and the users 336 are located far away from each other. Someembodiments enable users to receive communication requests andcommunicate with visitors via diverse mobile communication standardsincluding third generation (“3G”), fourth generation (“4G”), long termevolution (“LTE”), worldwide interoperability for microwave access(“WiMAX”), and WiFi.

In some cases, the users 336 utilize the garage door communicationsystem 310 to communicate with visitors who are in close proximity tothe users 336. For example, a user 336 located inside the building cancommunicate with a visitor located just outside the building via thecommunication system 310.

Some embodiments include a location detection system (e.g., GPS) todetermine if the computing device 204 is located inside the building,near the building, within 100 feet of the building, within 100 feet ofthe garage door controller 202, within 50 feet of the building, and/orwithin 50 feet of the garage door controller 202, in which case thecomputing device 204 is considered in Close Mode. In some embodiments,the computing device 204 is considered in Close Mode if the computingdevice 204 is connected to a wireless network 308 of the building towhich the garage door controller 202 is coupled. In several embodiments,the computing device 204 is considered in Close Mode if the computingdevice 204 and the garage door controller 202 are connected to the samewireless network 308. If the computing device 204 is not in Off Mode andnot in Close Mode, then the computing device 204 is in Away Mode, inwhich the computing device 204 is considered to be located remotely fromthe building 300.

In several embodiments, the computing device 204 can behave differentlyin Close Mode than in Away Mode. In some embodiments, the computingdevice 204 will not notify the user of visitors if the computing device204 is in Close Mode. In several embodiments, Close Mode silencesalerts, which can include precluding and/or eliminating the alerts.Instead, the user might have to listen for typical indications of avisitor such as the ring of a traditional doorbell. Once the computingdevice 204 enters Away Mode, the computing device 204 can notify theuser of the visitor. In some embodiments, the computing device 204notifies the user regarding the visitor if the computing device 204 isin Close Mode or Away Mode.

In several embodiments, the user can decline a communication request byselecting via the user interface 240 a pre-recorded message to be playedby the security system. The pre-recorded message can include audioand/or video content. Some embodiments can provide the user with optionsfor playing a pre-recorded message on demand, and/or automaticallyplaying a pre-recorded message under user-specified conditions. Examplesof conditions that can be specified include time of day, user location,facial recognition or non-recognition of visitors, and/or number ofrecent visitors. In some embodiments, a pre-recorded message caninterrupt two-way communications, which can resume after delivery of themessage. In some embodiments, a pre-recorded message can be deliveredwithout interrupting two-way communications.

In some embodiments, the garage door controller 202 includes a memory.If the garage door controller 202 cannot communicate with the computingdevice 204 and/or with the server 206 (shown in FIG. 1), the memory 492of the garage door controller 202 can store a recorded message and/orvideo from the visitor. Once the garage door controller 202 cancommunicate with the computing device 204 and/or the server 206, thegarage door controller 202 can communicate the recorded message and/orvideo to the computing device 204 and/or the server 206.

In several embodiments, the garage door controller 202 can ask a visitorto record a message and/or can record pictures (e.g., video, stillpictures) when the garage door controller 202 cannot communicate via thewireless network 308. The garage door controller 202 can include aNetwork Enabled Mode and a Network Disabled Mode. In the Network EnabledMode, the garage door controller 202 can communicate via the wirelessnetwork 308 with a remote server and/or computing device 204. In theNetwork Disabled Mode, the garage door controller 202 cannot communicatevia the wireless network 308 with a remote server and/or computingdevice 204.

In the Network Enabled Mode, the garage door controller 202 can sendvideo and/or audio from the visitor to the user instantaneously; nearlyinstantaneously; immediately; within 15 seconds of capturing the videoand/or audio; and/or within 60 seconds of capturing the video and/oraudio. In the Network Enabled Mode, the security system canpreferentially send data (e.g., video, audio, traits, identification)regarding the visitor to the computing device 204 rather than storingthe data in the memory of the security system. In the Network DisabledMode, the garage door controller 202 can cause a chime inside thebuilding 300 to emit a sound. In some embodiments of the NetworkDisabled Mode, the security system emits a visible error signal (e.g.,flashing light, red light); records images and audio to the securitysystem's memory; asks the visitor to leave a message for the user;and/or alerts the user regarding the lack of wireless communication.

In some embodiments, the security system can maintain a visitor log,which can capture information such as the date, time, audio, video,and/or images of the visitor. The user interface 240 can display thisinformation in a “guest book” format; as a timeline or calendar; as aseries of images, videos, and/or audio files; or as a log file.

The user can accept or decline a communication request from a visitor.In some embodiments, the user can push a button (e.g., 276) on the userinterface 240 (shown in FIG. 2) to decline a communication request oraccept a communication request. The user can decline a communicationrequest without the visitor knowing that the user received thecommunication request. Prior to accepting a communication request, thecomputing device 204 can allow the user to click a button, such as anicon on a graphical user interface on a touch screen, to see and/or hearthe visitor. In some embodiments, accepting a communication requestincludes opening a two-way line of communication (e.g., audio and/orvideo) between the visitor and the user to enable the user to speak withthe visitor.

A visitor can initiate a communication request and/or activate thegarage door opener to move the garage door by pressing the controllerbutton of the garage door controller 202, triggering a motion sensor ofthe garage door controller 202, triggering a proximity sensor of thegarage door controller 202, and/or triggering an audio alarm of thegarage door controller 202. In some embodiments, the audio alarmincludes the microphone of the garage door controller 202. The garagedoor controller 202 can determine if sounds sensed by the microphone arefrom a knocking sound, a stepping sound, and/or from a human in closeproximity to the garage door controller 202. The garage door controller202 can detect important sounds such as knocking, talking, and footstepsby recording the sounds and then computing features that can be used forclassification. Each sound class (e.g., knocking) has features thatenable the garage door controller 202 to accurately identify the soundas knocking, talking, stepping, or extraneous noise. Features can beanalyzed using a decision tree to classify each sound. For example, insome embodiments, a visitor can trigger an audio alarm (and thus,initiate a communication request) by knocking on a door located withinhearing range of a microphone of the garage door controller 202. Inseveral embodiments, a visitor can trigger an audio alarm (and thus,initiate a communication request) by stepping and/or talking withinhearing range of a microphone of the garage door controller 202.

The garage door controller 202 may receive audible instructions from auser to stop or move the garage door 927. For example, the garage doorcontroller 202 may receive, by a microphone, a first audible messagefrom the user. The first audible message may include an instruction toopen the garage door 927, close the garage door 927, or stop the garagedoor 927. In response to receiving the first audible message to open thegarage door 927, embodiments may include moving the garage door 927 tothe open position 927 a. Accordingly, in response to receiving the firstaudible message to close the garage door 927, embodiments may includemoving the garage door to the closed position 927 e. As well, inresponse to receiving the first audible message to stop the garage door927, embodiments may include terminating movement of the garage door927. As well, it should be appreciated that the audible instructions mayinclude any such command to control the garage door 927 in a manner asknown within the art.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the garage door controller 202 mayemit, by a speaker, a second audible message. The second audible messagemay include any type of information in about the garage doorcommunication system 200. For example, the second audible message mayinclude a notification about whether the garage door is open or closed.

As well, the garage door controller 202 may include a motion detector,which may be configured to detect motion from a user within a spaceadjacent the garage door controller 202. In some embodiments the motiondetector may be located adjacent to the outer surface of the outerhousing. The user's movements may serve as instructions for the garagedoor controller 202 to activate the garage door opener 926 to perform anoperation. For example, the garage door controller 202 may detect asingle wave motion from a user's hand, which may indicate that the userwishes to open the garage door 927. In response to the garage doorcontroller 202 detecting the single wave motion from the user's hand,the garage door controller 202 may transmit a signal to the garage dooropener 926 to thereby move the garage door 927 to the open position 927a.

As well, in some embodiments, the garage door controller 202 may detecta double wave motion from a user's hand, which may indicate that theuser wishes to close the garage door 927. In response to the garage doorcontroller 202 detecting the double wave motion from the user's hand,the garage door controller 202 may transmit a signal to the garage dooropener 926 to thereby move the garage door 927 to the closed position927 e.

Generally, the garage door controller 202 may be configured to detectany predetermined motion, whereby the predetermined motion maycorrespond to any such predetermined action of the garage door opener926 and the garage door 927. For example, the predetermined action maybe selected from the group consisting of closing the garage door,opening the garage door, terminating movement of the garage door,illuminating the light, and deactivating the light. Furthermore, thepredetermined motion may be any such bodily motion, such as a hand wave,a smile (from a user's face), and the like. In some embodiments, thegarage door controller 202 may be configured to detect one, two, three,four, five, or more predetermined motions, which may correspond to one,two, three, four, five, or more predetermined actions.

In some embodiments, the garage door controller 202 may be configured toreceive different types of button presses and initiate differentoperations based on the respective type of button press. For example,the garage door controller 202 may receive a first button press that isfor a first predetermined period of time. In response to the firstbutton press, the garage door controller 202 may initiate a first garagedoor operation, such as opening the garage door 927. In someembodiments, the garage door controller 202 may receive a second buttonpress, which is for a second predetermined period of time that isdifferent than the first predetermined period of time. In response tothe second button press, the garage door controller 202 may initiate asecond garage door operation, such as closing the garage door 927. Insome embodiments, the first button press comprises at least one buttonpress, and the second button press comprises at least two buttonpresses. Generally, it should be appreciated that the garage doorcontroller 202 may be configured to recognize different types of buttonspresses and thereby perform different operations for each type of buttonpress.

Installation Methods

Embodiments may also include a method for installing a garage doorcontroller. For example, some embodiments may include replacing aconventional garage door controller, such as a first garage doorcontroller, that is wired to a garage door opener. The embodiments mayinclude replacing the conventional garage door controller with a secondgarage door controller, such as garage door controller 202. The firstgarage door controller may comprise a button configured to open andclose a circuit between a power supply and a garage door opener tothereby allow electricity to flow through the garage door opener tothereby move a garage door between an open position 927 a and a closedposition 927 e. As well, the second garage door controller 202 mayinclude an outer housing, a button configured to open and close thecircuit between the power supply and the garage door opener, and awireless communication module configured to communicatively couple to aremote computing device via WiFi or cellular communication.

Some embodiments of the first garage door controller may be electricallycoupled to two or more electrical wires that are electrically coupled tothe garage door opener. In this regard, some methods may includeelectrically decoupling the first garage door controller from a firstwire, wherein the first wire is electrically coupled to the garage dooropener. As well, embodiments may include electrically decoupling thefirst garage door controller from a second wire, wherein the second wireis electrically coupled to the garage door opener.

Once the two or more electrical wires have been electrically decoupledfrom the first garage door controller, the second garage door controller202 may then be installed. Accordingly, some embodiments may includeelectrically coupling the second garage door controller to the firstwire and electrically coupling the second garage door controller to thesecond wire.

Some methods may also include communicatively coupling the second garagedoor controller to an Internet router to thereby communicatively couplethe second garage door controller to a wireless network. As well,methods may include communicatively coupling the second garage doorcontroller, by the Internet router, to a remote server, andcommunicatively coupling the second garage door controller, by theInternet router and the remote server, to the remote computing device.In this manner, a user may upgrade his or her conventional garage doorsystem to a “smart” garage door system that is capable of being accessedand controlled via the Internet.

Some embodiments of the second garage door controller 202 may include acamera configured to record a video. According to these embodiments,some methods may further include arranging and configuring the secondgarage door controller 202 such that at least a portion of the garagedoor 927 is located within a line of sight of the camera 208. This mayallow a remotely located user to view, by the camera 208, at least aportion of the garage door 927.

Safety Sensor Embodiments

Some embodiments of conventional garage door systems may include safetysensors configured to detect whether a person, animal or object crossesa path of the garage door 927 while the garage door 927 is moving. Inthis regard, the safety sensors may trigger the garage door opener 926to terminate movement to thereby avoid the garage door 927 coming intocontact with the person, animal or object. Specifically, embodiments thegarage door opener 926 may be electrically coupled to a first safetysensor and a second safety sensor. The first safety sensor can belocated at a first location adjacent a first vertical surface of thegarage door frame 931. Accordingly, the second safety sensor can belocated at a second location adjacent a second vertical surface of thegarage door frame 931. The first vertical surface can be horizontallyspaced from the second vertical surface such that the first verticalsurface faces the second vertical surface.

Some embodiments of the garage door controller 202 include arranging andconfiguring various components, such as the camera 208, to detectwhether an object enters a line of sight between the first location andthe second location. In this manner, the garage door controller 202 canbe configured to detect whether an object enters a line of sight betweenthe first location and the second location. In response to the garagedoor controller 202 detecting a person, animal, and/or object enteringthe line of sight between the first location and the second location,the garage door controller 202 can send a command to the garage dooropener 926 to terminate movement. Accordingly, embodiments may includemethod steps for replacing the existing safety sensors of a garage door927.

Generally, the garage door controller 202 can include detection featuresthat replace the safety sensors of a conventional garage door system.Accordingly, some embodiments can include removing the existing safetysensors of a conventional garage door system. For example, in someembodiments a third wire is electrically coupled between the firstsafety sensor and a first terminal on the garage door opener 926, and afourth wire is electrically coupled between the second safety sensor anda second terminal on the garage door opener 926. In this manner,embodiments may include electrically decoupling the first safety sensorand any corresponding wire or wires, such as the third wire, from thegarage door opener 926, and electrically decoupling the second safetysensor and any corresponding wire or wires, such as the fourth wire,from the garage door opener 926. As well, methods may includeelectrically coupling a jumper between the first terminal and the secondterminal of the garage door opener 926, whereby the jumper completes anelectrical circuit between the second garage door controller and thegarage door opener 926 to thereby allow the garage door 927 to movebetween the open and closed positions.

In some embodiments the garage door frame defines both a first verticalinner surface, a second vertical inner surface that faces the firstvertical inner surface, and a first horizontal inner surface that facesa ground surface whereby the first horizontal inner surface extendsbetween the first vertical inner surface and the second vertical innersurface. The space can be a plane that is parallel to the garage door927 when the garage door 927 is in the closed position 927 e. The planecan be located between the garage door opener 926 and the garage door927 when the garage door 927 is in the closed position 927 e.Accordingly, some embodiments include using the camera 208 to detectwhether an object breaks a portion of the plane in a location betweenthe first vertical inner surface, the second vertical inner surface, thefirst horizontal inner surface, and the ground surface. In response todetecting that an object has entered a portion of the plane, somemethods may also include using the garage door controller to terminatemovement of the garage door opener 926. As well, in response todetecting that no object has entered a portion of the plane, embodimentsmay include using the garage door controller to move the garage door 927to the open position 927 a, partially open position 927 b, 927 c, 927 d,or closed position 927 e.

Generally, by detecting whether an object enters a path of the garagedoor 927, the garage door controller 202 can terminate movement of thegarage door 927 to avoid an accident. Furthermore, because the camera208 is able to monitor entire plane between the vertical surfaces andthe horizontal surface of the garage door frame 931, the camera 208 mayincrease safety over conventional garage door systems. In conventionalgarage door systems, the safety sensors are located towards the groundsurface. In effect, conventional safety sensors are only able to monitorwhether an object crosses the plane towards the ground surface. However,the garage door controller 202 may detect whether an object crosses theplane at any height. For example, if a car bumper crosses the plane, aconventional garage door system may fail to detect the presence of thebumper; thus, the conventional garage door may contact the car bumper.However, the garage door controller 202 may detect an object at anyheight or location on the plane, such as the car bumper, and the garagedoor controller 202 may thereby terminate movement of the garage door toavoid an accident.

In some embodiments, the space or plane that extends between thevertical surfaces is a line that extends between a first point and asecond point adjacent the garage door frame 931. The first point can becoordinated at a first vertical location and a first horizontallocation. The second point can be substantially coordinated at the firstvertical location and a second horizontal location. It should beappreciated that the term substantially means about or for the mostpart. As well, the first vertical location is located along a lowerportion of the garage door frame. Wherein the first horizontal locationis horizontally spaced from the second horizontal location such that thefirst and second horizontal locations are disposed at opposite sides ofthe garage door frame 931.

With the popularity of online shopping and other service that requireshipping, package theft is on the rise. Parcel carriers generally leavea package on the porch or in some other outdoor location. This leavesthe package vulnerable to theft until it can be picked up by the owner,for example after work or after a trip. Consumers need a way to keeptheir deliveries safe until it is convenient for them to pick up theparcel and bring them inside. A security system that allows a parcelcarrier and a user to communicate, and allows the user to remotelyactivate a device, such as a garage door opener would allow a parcelcarrier to securely leave a package even when no one is able to receivethe package. For example, a visitor, who may be a parcel carrier, mayapproach a front door and ring a doorbell. The security system may thenalert a user, possibly by sending an alert to a mobile device. The userand the visitor can then communicate via the security system. The usercan then ask the visitor to leave a package in, for example, the garage.The user could then remotely signal the garage door opener to open thegarage door. The security system may also have a camera or a sensor inor near the garage to alert the user that the visitor has entered and/orleft the garage. The user can then remotely signal the garage door toclose. The package is then secure inside the garage until the user isable to pick it up.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18 a security system 1300 may include,among other things, an electronic doorbell 1302, an electronic garagedoor controller 1304, and a remote computing device 1306. The electronicdoorbell 1302 may have a first camera 1307, a button 1308, and a firstmicrophone 1310. The first camera 1307 can be configured to capture animage of a first zone 1312. The first zone 1312 may be, for example, afront porch. The button 1308 can be configured to enable a visitor tosound an electronic chime. The button 1308 may also be configured tosend an alert to a remote computing device 1306 such as a mobile phone.The first microphone 1310 can be configured to capture sounds. Theelectronic garage door controller 1304 may be communicatively coupled tothe electronic doorbell 1302. The electronic garage door controller 1304may be directly or indirectly communicatively coupled to the electronicdoorbell 1302. The electronic garage door controller may communicatevia, for example, a wireless communication 1328 with a garage dooropener 1326. The electronic garage door controller 1304 may have asecond camera 1314 and a second microphone 1316. The second camera maybe configured to capture an image of a second zone 1318. The second zone1318 may be, for example, the inside of a garage. The second microphone1316 may be configured to capture sounds. The remote computing device1306 may be communicatively coupled to at least one of the electronicdoorbell 1302 and the electronic garage door controller 1304. The remotecomputing device 1306 may be directly or indirectly communicativelycoupled to at least one or the electronic doorbell 1302 and theelectronic garage door controller 1304. The remote computing device 1306may be configured to display at least one of the image of the first zone1312 and the image of the second zone 1318.

In some embodiments, the first zone 1312 may comprise an area adjacent adoor 1320 of a building 1322. For example the first zone 1312 may be anarea near the front door or a back door. The second zone 1318 maycomprise an area located at least partially within a garage. In responseto the system 1300 receiving input from the user to open the garage door1324, the image displayed by the screen of the remote computing device1306 may switch from the images from the first camera 1307 to the imagesfrom the second camera 1314. In response to the system 1300 receivinginput from the user to open the garage door 1324, the sound transmittedby the remote computing device 1306 may switch from the sound from thefirst microphone 1310 to the sound from the second microphone 1316. Theremote computing device 1306 may be configured to run a softwareapplication comprising executable instructions that when executed, causethe security system 1300 to effectuate operations. Operations maycomprise displaying, by a screen of the remote computing device 1306,the image of the first zone 1312. Operations may comprise receiving, bythe remote computing device 1306, an input from a user to open a garagedoor 1324 associated with the electronic garage door controller 1304.Operations may comprise in response to receiving the input to open thegarage door 1324, displaying, by the screen of the remote computingdevice 1306, the image of the second zone 1318. The executableinstructions may cause the security system 1300 to effectuate operationsfurther comprising opening, by a garage door opener 1326 coupled to theelectronic garage door controller 1304, the garage door 1324 in responseto receiving the input to open the garage door 1324.

In some embodiments the image displayed on the screen of the remotecomputing device 1306 may switch from images from the first camera 1307to images from the second camera 1314 in response to the system 1300receiving an indication that the visitor is moving towards the secondzone 1318. The remote computing device 1306 may be configurable to run asoftware application. The software application may comprise executableinstructions that when executed, cause the security system 1300 toeffectuate operations. The operations may comprise displaying, by ascreen of the remote computing device 1306, the image of the first zone1312. The operations may comprise receiving, by the security system1300, an indication the visitor is moving from the first zone 1312towards the second zone 1318. The operations may comprise in response toreceiving the indication that the visitor is moving from the first zone1312 towards the second zone 1318, displaying, by the screen of theremote computing device 1306, the image of the second zone 1318.

In several embodiments, the indication may comprise at least one ofglobal position system data, a wireless connectivity signal between theelectronic doorbell 1302 and a remote computing device 1306 of thevisitor, and a motion detected by a motion detector 1334 of theelectronic doorbell, the visitor visually leaving the first zone 1312and/or visually entering the second zone 1318. Global position systemdata may comprise a GPS signal that shows the visitor moving towards thesecond zone 1318. The wireless connectivity signal between 1328 theelectronic doorbell 1302 and the remote computing device 1306 of thevisitor may be Bluetooth. For example, the doorbell 1302 could transmitinformation to the visitor's remote computing device via Bluetooth, andthen if the person walks away, the signal strength might decrease. Themotion detected by a motion detector 1334 of the electronic doorbell1302 may comprise the motion detector 1334 detecting the visitor movingtowards the second zone 1318 (i.e. garage).

In several embodiments the image displayed on the screen of the remotecomputing device 1306 may switch from images from the first camera 1307to images from the second camera 1314 in response to the system 1300visually determining that visitor is not within the first zone 1312. Theremote computing device 1306 may be configured to run a softwareapplication comprising executable instructions. The executableinstructions being executed may cause the security system 1300 toeffectuate operations. Effectuating operations may include displaying,by a screen of the remote computing device 1306, the image of the firstzone 1312. Effectuating operations may include determining, by at leastone of the first camera 1307 and the security system, whether thevisitor is located within the first zone 1312. Effectuating operationsmay include, in response to determining that the visitor is not locatedwithin the first zone 1312, displaying, by the screen of the remotecomputing device 1306, the image of the second zone 1318. The imagedisplayed on the screen of the remote computing device 1306 may switchfrom images from the first camera 1307 to images from the second camera1314 in response to the system visually determining that visitor iswithin the second zone 1318. The remote computing device 1306 may beconfigured to run a software application comprising executableinstructions that when executed, may cause the security system toeffectuate operations. The operations may comprise displaying, by ascreen of the remote computing device 1306, the image of the first zone1312. The operations may comprise determining, by at least one of thesecond camera 1314 and the security system, whether the visitor islocated within the second zone 1318. The operations may comprise inresponse to determining that the visitor is located within the secondzone 1318, displaying, by the screen of the remote computing device1306, the image of the second zone 1318.

In some embodiments the image displayed on the screen of the remotecomputing device 1306 may switch from images from the first camera 1307to images from the second camera 1314 in response to the systemdetecting a sound that may indicate that the visitor is walking towardsthe second zone 1318. Detecting a sound that may indicate a visitor iswalking towards the second zone 1318 can include the system detecting afirst sound and a second sound. The system may then determine that thesecond sound is quieter than the first sound. The system may determineif the second sound is below a threshold. The system determining one orboth of the second sound being quieter than the first sound and thesecond sound is below a threshold may indicate that the visitor iswalking towards the second zone. The remote computing device 1306 may beconfigured to run a software application comprising executableinstructions that when executed, cause the security system to effectuateoperations. Operations may comprise displaying, by a screen of theremote computing device 1306, the image of the first zone 1312.Operations may comprise capturing, by the first microphone 1310, a firstsound and a second sound that occurs after the first sound. Operationsmay comprise determining, by the security system, whether the secondsound is quieter than the first sound and whether the second sound isless than a predetermined threshold. Operations may comprise in responseto determining that the second sound is quieter than the first sound andthat the second sound is less than the predetermined threshold,displaying, by the screen of the remote computing device 1306, the imageof the second zone 1318.

In several embodiments the image displayed on the screen of the remotecomputing device 1306 may switch from images from the first camera 1307to images from the second camera 1314 in response to the systemdetecting a sound and determining that the sound is closer to the secondmicrophone 1316 than the first microphone 1310. A system detecting asound and determining that the sound is closer to the second microphone1316 than the first microphone 1310 may include the system determiningthat the second sound is louder than the first sound. The remotecomputing device 1306 may be configured to run a software applicationcomprising executable instructions that when executed, cause thesecurity system to effectuate operations. Operations may comprisedisplaying, by a screen of the remote computing device 1306, the imageof the first zone 1312. Operations may comprise capturing, by both thefirst microphone 1310 and the second microphone 1316, a sound.Operations may comprise determining, by the security system, whether thesound is greater with respect to one of the first microphone 1310 andthe second microphone 1316. Operations may comprise in response todetermining that the sound is greater with respect to the secondmicrophone 1316 than the first microphone 1310, displaying, by thescreen of the remote computing device 1306, the image of the second zone1318. In response to the system detecting a sound and determining thatthe sound is closer to the first microphone 1310 than the secondmicrophone 1316 the image displayed on the screen of the remotecomputing device 1306 may be the image from the first camera 1307. Asystem detecting a sound and determining that the sound is closer to thefirst microphone 1310 than the second microphone 1316 may include thesystem determining that the first sound is louder than the second sound.The remote computing device 1306 may be configured to run a softwareapplication comprising executable instructions that when executed, causethe security system to effectuate operations. The operations maycomprise displaying, by a screen of the remote computing device 1306,the image of the first zone 1312. Operations may comprise capturing, byboth the first microphone 1310 and the second microphone 1316, a sound.Operations may comprise determining, by the security system, whether thesound is greater with respect to one of the first microphone 1310 andthe second microphone 1316. Operations may comprise in response todetermining that the sound is greater with respect to the firstmicrophone 1310 than the second microphone 1316, continuing to display,by the screen of the remote computing device 1306, the image of thefirst zone 1312.

In some embodiments the image displayed on the screen of the remotecomputing device 1306 may switch from images from the first camera 1307to images from the second camera 1314 in response to the system trackingthe location of the visitor. Tracking the location of the visitor mayinclude, among other things, visually tracking, tracking with GPS viathe visitor's mobile phone, or tracking with Bluetooth via the visitor'smobile phone. The remote computing device 1306 may be configured to runa software application comprising executable instructions that whenexecuted, cause the security system to effectuate operations. Operationsmay comprise displaying, by a screen of the remote computing device1306, the image of the first zone 1312. Operations may comprisedetermining, by the security system, a location of the visitor.Operations may comprise in response to determining that the location ofthe visitor is at least one of outside of the first zone 1312 and movingtowards the second zone 1318, displaying, by the screen of the remotecomputing device 1306, the image of the second zone 1318.

Several embodiments may include a method of using a security systemcomprising an electronic doorbell 1302. The electronic doorbell 1302 mayhave a first camera 1307 configured to capture an image of a first zone1312, a button 1308 configured to enable a visitor to sound anelectronic chime, and a first microphone 1310 configured to capturesounds. The security system may include an electronic garage doorcontroller 1304 communicatively coupled to the electronic doorbell 1302.The electronic garage door controller 1304 can be directly or indirectlycommunicatively coupled the electronic doorbell 1302. The electronicgarage door controller 1304 may comprise a second camera 1314 configuredto capture an image of a second zone 1318, and a second microphone 1316configured to capture sounds. The security system may comprise a remotecomputing device 1306 communicatively coupled to at least one of theelectronic doorbell 1302 and the electronic garage door controller 1304.The remote computing device 1306 can be directly or indirectlycommunicatively coupled to at least one of the electronic doorbell 1302and the electronic garage door controller 1304. The method may includedisplaying, by a screen of the remote computing device 1306, the imageof the first zone 1312. The method may include receiving, by thesecurity system, an indication comprising one of the visitor moving fromthe first zone 1312 towards the second zone 1318 and the userauthorizing the visitor to access the second zone 1318. The method maycomprise displaying, by the screen of the remote computing device 1306,the image of the second zone 1318 in response to receiving theindication.

In some embodiments the first zone 1312 may comprise an area adjacent adoor 1320 of a building 1322, and the second zone 1318 may comprise anarea located at least partially within a garage. The image displayed onthe screen of the remote computing device 1306 may switch from imagesfrom the first camera 1307 to images from the second camera 1314 inresponse to the system receiving input from user to open the garage door1324. The indication may comprise an input from a user to open a garagedoor 1324 associated with the electronic garage door controller 1304.Input from the user to open a garage door 1324 may be remote input. Themethod may comprise opening, by a garage door opener 1326 coupled to theelectronic garage door controller 1304, the garage door 1324 in responseto receiving the input to open the garage door 1324. The image displayedon the screen of the remote computing device 1306 may switch from imagesfrom the first camera 1307 to images from the second camera 1314 inresponse to a second motion detector 1336 detecting motion, which couldbe visitor walking from first zone 1312 to second zone 1318. The secondmotion detector 1336 may be located remotely with respect to theelectronic doorbell 1302 and the electronic garage door controller 1304.The second motion detector 1336 may be located in a third zone. Thethird zone may be in between the first and second zones. Receiving, bythe security system, the indication may comprise detecting, by a secondmotion detector 1336, a motion of the visitor.

In order to reduce energy usage and system storage, the whole securitysystem or a part of the security system may be able to enter a sleepmode. A sleep mode may use less electricity and/or use less systemstorage than an active mode. In some embodiments, the first camera canenter a sleep mode in response to the visitor moving from first zone1312 to second zone 1318. The camera may also enter a sleep mode inresponse to the user authorizing the visitor access to the second zone1318. In response to receiving the indication that the visitor is movingfrom the first zone 1312 towards the second zone 1318 and/or the userauthorizing the visitor to access the second zone 1318, the method mayinclude entering, by the first camera 1307 of the electronic doorbell1302, a camera sleep mode whereby the first camera 1307 does not captureimages. In some embodiments the second camera 1314 may enter an activemode in response to the visitor moving from first zone 1312 to secondzone 1318 or user authorizing the visitor access to the second zone1318. In response to receiving the indication that one of the visitor ismoving from the first zone 1312 towards the second zone 1318 and theuser authorizing the visitor to access the second zone 1318, the methodmay include entering, by the second camera of the electronic garage doorcontroller 1304, an active mode. An active mode may include a cameralive view mode whereby the second camera 1314 captures images. The wholesystem or a part of the system can enter a sleep or active mode inresponse to a user indication.

In some embodiments the image displayed on the screen of the remotecomputing device 1306 may switch from images from the first camera 1307to images from the second camera 1314 in response to the visitor givingan indication that the visitor will be entering the second zone 1318.The indication may be a predetermined motion from the visitor such as ahand wave, or some special sign.

Interpretation

None of the steps described herein is essential or indispensable. Any ofthe steps can be adjusted or modified. Other or additional steps can beused. Any portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/ordevices disclosed or illustrated in one embodiment, flowchart, orexample in this specification can be combined or used with or instead ofany other portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/ordevices disclosed or illustrated in a different embodiment, flowchart,or example. The embodiments and examples provided herein are notintended to be discrete and separate from each other.

The section headings and subheadings provided herein are nonlimiting.The section headings and subheadings do not represent or limit the fullscope of the embodiments described in the sections to which the headingsand subheadings pertain. For example, a section titled “Topic 1” mayinclude embodiments that do not pertain to Topic 1 and embodimentsdescribed in other sections may apply to and be combined withembodiments described within the “Topic 1” section.

Some of the devices, systems, embodiments, and processes use computers.Each of the routines, processes, methods, and algorithms described inthe preceding sections may be embodied in, and fully or partiallyautomated by, code modules executed by one or more computers, computerprocessors, or machines configured to execute computer instructions. Thecode modules may be stored on any type of non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium or tangible computer storage device,such as hard drives, solid state memory, flash memory, optical disc,and/or the like. The processes and algorithms may be implementedpartially or wholly in application-specific circuitry. The results ofthe disclosed processes and process steps may be stored, persistently orotherwise, in any type of non-transitory computer storage such as, e.g.,volatile or non-volatile storage.

The various features and processes described above may be usedindependently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. Allpossible combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall withinthe scope of this disclosure. In addition, certain method, event, state,or process blocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods,steps, and processes described herein are also not limited to anyparticular sequence, and the blocks, steps, or states relating theretocan be performed in other sequences that are appropriate. For example,described tasks or events may be performed in an order other than theorder specifically disclosed. Multiple steps may be combined in a singleblock or state. The example tasks or events may be performed in serial,in parallel, or in some other manner. Tasks or events may be added to orremoved from the disclosed example embodiments. The example systems andcomponents described herein may be configured differently thandescribed. For example, elements may be added to, removed from, orrearranged compared to the disclosed example embodiments.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,”“might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically statedotherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, isgenerally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, whileother embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/orsteps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended toimply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required forone or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to beperformed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,”“including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are usedinclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additionalelements, features, acts, operations and so forth. Also, the term “or”is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so thatwhen used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or”means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctivelanguage such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unlessspecifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the contextas used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X,Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended toimply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least oneof Y, and at least one of Z to each be present.

The term “and/or” means that “and” applies to some embodiments and “or”applies to some embodiments. Thus, A, B, and/or C can be replaced withA, B, and C written in one sentence and A, B, or C written in anothersentence. A, B, and/or C means that some embodiments can include A andB, some embodiments can include A and C, some embodiments can include Band C, some embodiments can only include A, some embodiments can includeonly B, some embodiments can include only C, and some embodimentsinclude A, B, and C. The term “and/or” is used to avoid unnecessaryredundancy.

While certain example embodiments have been described, these embodimentshave been presented by way of example only, and are not intended tolimit the scope of the inventions disclosed herein. Thus, nothing in theforegoing description is intended to imply that any particular feature,characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or indispensable.Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodiedin a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions,substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and systemsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving, by a securitysystem, and from a mobile computing device, user input indicating acommand to move a garage door, wherein the security system comprises: anelectronic doorbell communicatively coupled to the mobile computingdevice, the electronic doorbell having a first camera configurable tocapture a first image of a first zone, a first button configurable toenable a person to sound an electronic chime, a motion detectorconfigurable to detect a motion of the person, and a first microphoneconfigurable to capture first sounds; and an electronic garage doorcontroller communicatively coupled to the mobile computing device, theelectronic garage door controller having a speaker configured to emitsecond sounds, a second button configurable to enable the person tosound the electronic chime or move the garage door, a second cameraconfigurable to capture a second image of a second zone, and a secondmicrophone configurable to capture third sounds; and transmitting, bythe security system for display on the mobile computing device inresponse to receiving the user input, the first image of the first zonecaptured by the first camera or the second image of the second zonecaptured by the second camera.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising causing, by the electronic garage door controller in responseto the security system receiving the user input, the garage door tomove.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising transmitting, by thesecurity system for display on the mobile computing device, anindication of a position of the garage door, wherein the positioncomprises an open position, a closed position, a partially openedposition, or a partially closed position.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein receiving the user input indicating the command to move thegarage door comprises directly receiving, by the security system fromthe mobile computing device, a wireless communication comprising thecommand to move the garage door, and wherein the method furthercomprises causing, by the electronic garage door controller in responseto the security system receiving the wireless communication, the garagedoor to move.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising transmitting,by the security system for display on the mobile computing device, anindication of a position of the garage door, wherein the positioncomprises an open position, a closed position, a partially openedposition, or a partially closed position.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the command to move the garage door comprises a command to atleast partially open the garage door.
 7. The method of claim 1, whereinthe command to move the garage door comprises a command to close thegarage door.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising capturing, bythe first microphone or the second microphone, a noise, whereintransmitting the first image of the first zone captured by the firstcamera or the second image of the second zone captured by the secondcamera comprises transmitting the first image or the second image atleast in part in response to capturing the noise.
 9. The method of claim1, wherein the motion detector comprises a first motion detector,wherein the electronic garage door controller comprises a second motiondetector configurable to detect a second motion of the person, andwherein the method further comprises capturing, by the first motiondetector or by the second motion detector, a movement of the person. 10.The method of claim 9, wherein transmitting the first image of the firstzone captured by the first camera or the second image of the second zonecaptured by the second camera comprises transmitting the first image orthe second image at least in part in response to capturing the movement.11. The method of claim 1, wherein the first zone comprises a first areaadjacent a door of a building, and wherein the second zone comprises asecond area located at least partially within a garage.
 12. A securitysystem, comprising: an electronic doorbell communicatively coupled to amobile computing device and an electronic garage door controller, theelectronic doorbell comprising a first camera configured to capture afirst image of a first zone, a first button configured to enable aperson to sound an electronic chime, a motion detector configurable todetect a motion of the person, and a first microphone configured tocapture first sounds; the electronic garage door controllercommunicatively coupled to the mobile computing device and theelectronic doorbell, the electronic garage door controller having aspeaker configured to emit second sounds, a second button configured toenable the person to sound the electronic chime or move a garage doorassociated with the electronic garage door controller, a second cameraconfigured to capture a second image of a second zone, and a secondmicrophone configured to capture third sounds; and the mobile computingdevice, configured to: receive user input indicating a command to movethe garage door; and output for display the first image of the firstzone or the second image of the second zone in response to receiving theuser input.
 13. The security system of claim 12, wherein the electronicgarage door controller is configured to: receive the command from themobile computing device; and cause a garage door opener to move thegarage door in response to receiving the command.
 14. The securitysystem of claim 13, wherein causing the garage door opener to move thegarage door comprises causing the garage door opener to at leastpartially open the garage door.
 15. The security system of claim 13,wherein causing the garage door opener to move the garage door comprisescausing the garage door opener to close the garage door.
 16. Thesecurity system of claim 12, wherein the security system is furtherconfigured to: determine, based on the first image and the second image,whether the person is located within the first zone or the second zone;and output, for display on the mobile computing device, the first imageor the second image associated with the zone in which the person islocated.
 17. The security system of claim 12, wherein the securitysystem is further configured to capture, by the first microphone or thesecond microphone, a noise, wherein outputting the first image or thesecond image comprises outputting the first image or the second image atleast in part in response to capturing the noise.
 18. The securitysystem of claim 12, wherein the motion detector comprises a first motiondetector, and wherein the electronic garage door controller comprises asecond motion detector configured to detect a second motion of theperson.
 19. The security system of claim 18, wherein the security systemis further configured to capture, by the first motion detector or thesecond motion detector, a movement of the person, wherein outputting thefirst image or the second image comprises outputting the first image orthe second image at least in part in response to capturing the movement.20. The security system of claim 12, wherein the first zone comprises afirst area adjacent a door of a building, and wherein the second zonecomprises a second area located at least partially within a garage.